Ocean Storm

The boardwalk is cool in the shade of starlight;

The old wood creaks beneath my weight

And tall and tasseled oats bend idly

As the breezes change direction.

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The ocean is black beneath moonless sky—

Waves crush and chew at the shore

While small crabs race sideways,

Dodging to avoid bare feet.

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Music and laughter float from nearby,

Carried upon the stillness of between;

Calm rests above me in the sky,

But not out over the depths.

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There are quick flashes of bright, white light,

And mountains appear suddenly

Purple and plush, hanging,

Floating, above seawater.

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Spears of ripped universe strike down,

Lighting the inside of roiling cloud,

Revealing for a single moment

The dark edge of horizon.

---

Discontented rumbles roll in loose hair,

Buffeting the quiet of solitude

To stir mulling party guests

Who drink white wine.

---

The depths of tumultuous cloud-stone

Are brought to life but once more

Before the mountains crumble

And the storm disappears.